Dubnick, Melvin J. “In Defense of the Electoral College.” In THE EXCEPTIONAL ELECTION, edited by David Kimball (Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2001): 41-47.
AI-Geneerated Summary:
The document discusses the history, function, and debates surrounding the Electoral College, including its role in elections and potential reforms.
Historical Context of Electoral College
- The Electoral College was designed as a compromise to balance regional and federal interests in presidential selection.
- It was not originally intended to be anti-democratic, but rather to provide regional representation.
- The system has evolved through state laws and political practices, not just constitutional design.
- Jackson’s efforts to abolish it failed due to political interests and party influence.
Influence on Presidential Campaign Strategies
- The Electoral College shapes campaign strategies by focusing on key states and electoral votes.
- Truman’s 1948 campaign exemplified targeting states crucial for electoral victory.
- Modern campaigns, including 2000, strategize to win electoral votes, sometimes regardless of popular vote.
- The system encourages candidates to concentrate on swing states rather than national popular support.
Arguments for Maintaining the Electoral College
- It provides regional and federal balance in presidential elections.
- It has historically prevented direct popular vote dominance, maintaining a federalist structure.
- The system is misunderstood; its purpose is regional balance, not pure democracy.
- Eliminating it would undermine federalism and distort campaign strategies.
Critique of Electoral College Reforms
- Calls for abolition often stem from political manipulation and winner-take-all laws.
- The 2000 election highlighted flaws but these are due to state laws, not the constitutional design.
- Reforms should focus on state laws, such as proportional allocation, rather than abolishing the system.
- The Electoral College remains a vital part of the constitutional framework, serving regional interests.